The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
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Our curated list of the best versions of The Nutcracker in the Chicago area.
Maureen Wilkey
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25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
The must-do holiday events for families in every corner of Chicago.
Only in Chicago: Hershey's First Interactive Experience Opens in October!
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Yeah, that's right, Chicago gets everything foodies, sweet, and fun, FIRST! The Hershey Super Sweet Adventure, Hershey's first-ever touring experience is sweetening up Water Tower Place this fall. Buy tickets for $24 on most days through December 31, or get a special deal for just $15 on Halloween!
Whether you love checking out new things to do with kids or if you and your family dream of chocolate cups, chocolate kisses, and other irresistible treats, we've got the scoop on what to expect from this immersive candy-inspired extravaganza designed to delight all the senses.
Best of November: Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving Parade, and More Things to Do in Chicago
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November brings plenty of things to do, as Chicago gears up for holidays from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Chicago this month.
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Looking for Christmas trains in Chicago? These popular rides fill up quickly, but there are still many available Polar Express train rides near Chicago.
Chicago's Union Station Polar Express ride is canceled again in 2024 because of construction around the station, but plenty of suburbs have opportunities for train-loving kids to meet Santa on their ride to the North Pole! We've also found plenty of Polar Express and Santa Express Christmas train rides in Chicago's suburbs with seats available. Check out the breakfast or lunch spread at the CASA Christmas Express in New Lenox, or visit the Illinois Railway Museum before or after your ride on the Happy Holiday Railway. Check out mini trains in Aurora or Orland Park, or board a trolley in Bloomingdale or Oak Brook. And the CTA holiday trains and buses are back for 2024.
Here are our favorite Polar Express train rides in Chicago that are happening this year, and a list of those to look out for next year!
Best Chain Restaurant Kids Menu Deals - Including FREE Meals for Kids!
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Too busy to cook but don't want to break the bank? Kids eat free or cheap at many chain restaurants across the US! Most of these kids eat free deals offer a free entree from the kids menu for children ages 10 or 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree. Some restaurants offer other deals like half-off or 99-cent kids meals.
Here are 29 chain restaurants where kids can eat free or cheap on one or more days of the week, including the popular IHOP kids eat free and Denny's kids eat free deals.
For more freebies, visit our Guide to Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids. You can also find more kids eat free deals on our list of 64 birthday freebies for kids.
20 Quirky and Small Museums in Chicago Kids Will Love
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Chicago is home to world-class museums like The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. But did you know that dozens of small museums in Chicago have quirky and cool attractions for locals and visitors alike? We hit the pavement to find the most unique small museums in Chicago because if there's one thing kids love, it's weird and out-of-the-ordinary things. And who knows? Your kids might even develop a new hobby after visiting one of the off-the-beaten-path museums on our list.
Is your favorite missing from the list? Let us know, and we'll make sure to get there soon!
13 Things To Do to Celebrate Diwali in Chicago
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
In Chicago, there are multiple opportunities to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu holiday celebrating the victory of light over dark, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Sometimes Diwali events are more like a festival or a party, some are based on learning the legends and traditions surrounding the holiday, and some are unique events like cooking classes—but all of them will give kids the chance to experience and appreciate a different culture.
We've rounded up more than a dozen special Diwali events filled with music, dancing, food, and fun that kids in the Chicago area can attend to learn about and celebrate this colorful holiday.
